Postseason play: Central looks to down Glenvar in quarterfinals

by Kelley Pearson, Sports Editor

The Lady Warriors are one step closer to a chance at a state championship with a second-place finish in the Region 2D tournament. Under second year head coach Lucindy Lawson, the team will now travel to Glenvar on Saturday for the first round of the VHSL tournament.

“I know they have some pretty consistent hitters,” Lawson said. “We are just trying to focus on taking care of the simple things.”

Lawson knows what it takes to be a success in volleyball. A highly decorated, four-sport athlete at Rye Cove High School, she earned over 1,000 digs in her career as well as setting the record for most digs in a game (54), in a season (504) and career digs (1,436). In her senior year, she also earned nods on the all-district, all-Western section and all-state teams. Lawson was also named district player of the year before moving on to play softball for UVA Wise for four years.

This is the first time that the Lady Warriors have made it to the state tournament since 2012. With strong, consistent players all-around and a strong leader at the helm, the team has potential to make some waves in the postseason.

If the Lady Warriors are able to get past Glenvar, the next big match up will be another tough one as Gate City will host Floyd County Saturday with the winner moving on.

The Lady Blue Devils did not lose a Mountain 7 matchup all season, but the Lady Warriors were able to take two sets in their four meetings.

“I’m hoping since they know they have the capability to beat a team like Gate City, that should give them the confidence to take with them as we go on,” Lawson said of her team.

Saturday’s match is slated for a 4 p.m. start time.